20 best apps and gadgets for replacing your assistant (that aren't named Siri)

Tile Bluetooth tracker

You know that Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant can make your professional life easier. Here are the apps and devices that perhaps you don't know about.

Misplaced your keys, laptop or even passport? Just give the lost object a ring via the Tile Mate or Tile Slim you've attached to it. When paired with a Tile device, your phone will ring even if it's on silent.

Joan

Joan is an electronic sign that works as a meeting-room scheduler. It supports office-calendar programs, such as iCalendar, Office 365 and Google Suite, and allows scheduling via computer and mobile devices.

ZUtA portable robotic printer

This compact black-ink printer, listed as weighing fewer than 13 ounces, connects to your device via Wi-Fi. Set it down on a standard-sized piece of paper, and watch it pump out an estimated 100 pages per cartridge.

AwardWallet

The New York Times called this free reward-points app "a game changer" and an "uncomplicated" way of monitoring your frequent-flier miles at a glance on your Android or iOS device.

Published: August 7, 2017 -- 20:10 GMT (13:10 PDT)

Photo by: AwardWallet via Facebook

Caption by: Joal Ryan

Travelmate suitcase

Billed as "the first true robot companion and fully autonomous suitcase," the smartphone-controlled Travelmate will motor alongside you at speeds up to 6.75 mph, and use its built-in sensors to avoid collisions.

The fully funded Indiegogo project is expected to ship its suitcases in September; prices start at $499.

Published: August 7, 2017 -- 20:10 GMT (13:10 PDT)

Photo by: Travelmate Robotics

Caption by: Joal Ryan

Mobile Passport

This free app from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency allows U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to speed through customs at 21 U.S.-based international airports and one seaport (Florida's Port Everglades). After a brief setup, entry can be as quick as holding your smartphone over a scanner.

Published: August 7, 2017 -- 20:10 GMT (13:10 PDT)

Photo by: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Florida via Twitter

Caption by: Joal Ryan

Livescribe 3 smartpen

This gadget digitizes your handwritten notes (as jotted down on the company's proprietary dot paper), and syncs them to your Android or iOS device. So-called pencasts let you record audio and your writing at the same time. Available via Livescribe; prices start at $149.95.

Expensify

Receipts can be captured with SmartScan, and reports completed with "one tap"; on the admin end, select expenses can be approved automatically. Free to monthly-fee plans available via Expensify.

Published: August 7, 2017 -- 20:10 GMT (13:10 PDT)

Photo by: Expensify via Twitter

Caption by: Joal Ryan

Mymanu CLIK earbuds

When connected via Bluetooth to your smartphone, the wireless earbuds can translate any one of 37 different languages in real time. You can pre-order a pair via the UK-based Mymanu for £219.00 (roughly $289). Shipping is expected this summer.

Tokk

This Bluetooth-enabled, hands-free smart speaker attaches magnetically to "any" garment, the California-based Tokk says, and lets you make calls or confer with your smartphone's AI with just a click or two. Get it in white, black or red for $49.99 via Tokk.

Published: August 7, 2017 -- 20:10 GMT (13:10 PDT)

Photo by: Tokk via Facebook

Caption by: Joal Ryan

Tefori tea infuser

This tea infuser is "ideal in an office setting," the Washington Postsaid. You can literally scan your tea to maximize flavor (provided you use the Teforia-branded teas that have been packaged in RFID-tagged containers).

The Teforia Leaf infuser sells for $399; the Teforia Classic, which can infuse non-Teforia teas, too, goes for $999.

Microsoft Bookings

Available to users with an Office 365 Business Premium subscription, this app allows your clients to schedule appointments online. It sends out reminders, and makes it easy for the business owner to keep track of everything.

Mastermind

This Alexa skill ups Alexa's virtual-assistant game. With it, you can place phone calls, send texts, launch apps, get calendar updates, and more. New skill-enablers are being wait-listed (due to demand, its developer, Convessa says); $15 will buy your way out of the line.

Published: August 7, 2017 -- 20:10 GMT (13:10 PDT)

Photo by: Mastermind Bot via YouTube

Caption by: Joal Ryan

Dictate

This Microsoft Garage project, a plug-in for Microsoft Outlook, Word and PowerPoint, types what you say, and, when commanded, includes punctuation. More than 20 languages are supported for dictation. Available for free download from Microsoft.

Tile Bluetooth tracker

You know that Siri, Alexa and Google Assistant can make your professional life easier. Here are the apps and devices that perhaps you don't know about.

Misplaced your keys, laptop or even passport? Just give the lost object a ring via the Tile Mate or Tile Slim you've attached to it. When paired with a Tile device, your phone will ring even if it's on silent.